Zach Lahn’s Gubernatorial Bid Faces Scrutiny Over Political Background
In a surprising announcement, Zach Lahn, a self-proclaimed political outsider, has entered the race for Iowa governor. Despite his campaign’s portrayal of him as an average Iowan, Lahn’s extensive political history raises questions about his outsider status.
According to Lahn’s campaign website, he is “not a politician but another Iowan like you.” The site highlights his roles as a father, farmer, businessman, and a 6th generation Iowan. It further emphasizes his independence from large corporations and special interests, claiming he is his own largest donor.
However, financial documents reveal Lahn’s deep roots in the political arena, earning at least $231,505 as a campaign staffer and congressional aide. His career includes working with lawmakers in Montana and Colorado.
Lahn’s political journey began in 2009 as a staffer for Colorado state Sen. Greg Brophy, coinciding with his college graduation. During this time, he made headlines by challenging President Barack Obama to a debate at a town hall meeting in Grand Junction, CO, without revealing his status as a paid political operative.
In 2010, Lahn joined Cory Gardner’s campaign for the U.S. House. After Gardner’s victory, Lahn briefly served as a staff assistant for the congressman. By May 2011, he was managing Montana Republican Steve Daines’ campaign for the U.S. House, where he earned nearly $92,000. He later served as Daines’ state director for eight months.
Lahn’s introduction to Iowa politics came in 2013 when he managed Republican David Young’s U.S. House campaign. He left after four months to work for Young’s primary opponent, former Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz. Young ultimately triumphed over Schultz in the primary.
MsNow reports that Lahn later became the Montana state director for Americans for Prosperity, a group funded by conservative billionaire Charles Koch.
Lahn’s residency has become a focal point in the governor’s race, as critics point to his time living in Kansas before launching his campaign. His extensive political background further challenges his claims of being a lifelong Iowan.
Earlier this year, Lahn stated, “I told my wife many times, if I ever ran for anything, the only thing I’d ever want to run for was governor.” However, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, now pursuing a U.S. Senate seat, noted Lahn had shown interest in a congressional run previously.
State Auditor Rob Sand, Lahn’s Democratic opponent, recently released a TV ad branding Lahn as a “part-time Iowan.”
The Cook Political Report labels the Iowa governor’s race as a toss-up, indicating a competitive battle ahead.
